Larry Jaques wrote:
On Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:34:06 -0700,
wrote:


(...)

http://www.insideurbangreen.org/aeroponics/
Scroll about 25% down to play the video:
"CNN Covers The Rooftop Aeroponic Tower Gardens"

Yuckin' Fuppies. "Only" $500 for a plastic tube! (Plus $6 for a small
pump, $3 for nutrients, and $5 for tubing, maybe?)

At last, an acceptable profit margin.

(...)

The plants will sprout from a vertical piece of ABS DWV anchored
to the frame.

Is ABS DWV (drain, waste, vent) food-safe? Please check into it if
you haven't already. I've only seen it used in drain, waste, and vent
plumbing so far.

I sure hope it is, given that it is used in the manufacture of
Lego bricks and musical instruments.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylon...adiene_styrene

The side doors will be made the same way as the frame
from 1/2" square tube and gusseted 5/8" TIG'ed corner supports.
I hope that the corner gussets will keep the doors planar and
prevent them from 'potato chipping', especially after I stretch
the poly fabric over them.

Yesterday I devoured Les Bridgewood's _Hydroponics, soilless
gardening explained_ thoughtfully checked out of the county
library by SWMBO. I shall have to re-read it more carefully
over the next couple days.

This appears to be quite similar to hydroponics, but the medium is
air, not water or soil. Check out green wall/vertical garden systems,
too. Much more pretty, so SWMBO may prefer it. YouTube is rife wif
'em.

The beauty of the tower is that I can move it easily
under cover for frost protection or for better sun exposure.


Right now, I'm looking for some 12 V ~80 PSIG water pumps to
cycle at 4.2 milliHertz (a few aerosol spritz's every 4
minutes). I'd rather not be in the 'water pump business' so
a turnkey solenoid - driven pump would be super cool.

Perhaps something like this, with a solenoid pressing from
above:
http://www.seaquistperfect.com/PAGES...technical.html

It appears that he had a constant drip system going.

Ideally, the nutrient would be atomized.
This boosts the root uptake far more than would a conventional
drip system which would leave a large proportion of the roots
dry.


Ideas gratefully entertained.

Or amusedly or cringingly?

I can guarantee *some* reaction, most of the time.

--Winstondis